Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier (March 30, 1754 - June 15, 1785) was a French chemistry and physics teacher, and a pioneer in the field of aviation. He opened his own museum in 1781, where he undertook experiments in physics, and provided demonstrations to nobles. He researched the new field of gases, and invented a respirator. He and the Marquis d'Arlandes made the first manned free balloon flight on November 21, 1783, in a Montgolfier balloon. Their 25 minute flight travelled slowly about 5.5 miles to the southeast, attaining an altitude of 3,000 feet, before returning to the ground at the Butte-aux-Cailles. De Rozier's next plan was an attempt to cross the English Channel from France to England. On June 15, 1785 he and his companion, Pierre Romain, ascended from Boulogne-sur-Mer. After making some progress, the balloon suddenly deflated and crashed in the Pas-de-Calais, from an estimated height of 1,500 feet. Both occupants were killed. This image has been color enhanced.